Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative aimed at transforming Ghana’s creative arts and tourism sectors. The Ghana Trade Fair Convention and Exhibition Centre, currently under construction, is poised to resolve the industry's long-standing challenges related to insufficient event venues and high costs of production. This ambitious project is set to be a game-changer, promising not just a world-class facility but a new chapter for creative arts in Ghana.
The new centre, which will feature a 20,000-seat capacity auditorium and a sprawling 5,000-square-meter pre-event lobby, is expected to be completed in the next eight months. This facility will be ten times larger than any existing venue in the country, addressing critical gaps in hosting large-scale events, exhibitions, and performances.
During his tour of the construction site on November 25, Dr. Bawumia emphasized the significance of this project in supporting the creative arts industry and boosting the broader economy. He described the project as a transformative move that would provide artists and event organizers with the infrastructure needed to operate on a global scale.
Speaking passionately about the benefits the new centre will bring, Dr. Bawumia said, "This is a much-needed project because we believe the growth of this economy is anchored on key pillars like tourism and the creative arts. Currently, when artists perform in Ghana, the seating capacities available are often limited to around 3,000. This constraint means event organizers have to charge higher ticket prices to break even, making such events inaccessible to many fans."
He continued, "With a 20,000-capacity facility, we are opening up a whole new realm of opportunities. Event costs can be spread across larger audiences, making it affordable for fans and profitable for organizers. Beyond entertainment, this centre will also position Ghana as a premier destination for conferences and exhibitions in Africa, attracting global attention and investment."
The Vice President assured stakeholders that the facility would be completed within the stipulated timeline. "I want to assure the creative arts industry that in eight months, this project will be ready. It will not only ease your challenges but also provide a world-class venue that meets international standards."
Dr. Agnes Adu, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Trade Fair Company Limited, also shared updates on the project. She confirmed the construction’s progress, expressing confidence that the facility would be ready for use by mid-next year. "The centre is undergoing rigorous construction, and we are on track to complete it in the next six to eight months," Dr. Adu stated.
The creative arts sector in Ghana has long struggled with inadequate infrastructure, limiting its potential to grow and compete internationally. Many artists and event organizers have been compelled to rely on makeshift venues that are neither cost-effective nor conducive to hosting large audiences. This has often led to high production costs, which are passed on to consumers in the form of expensive tickets.
By providing a modern, expansive venue, the Ghana Trade Fair Convention and Exhibition Centre is set to address these challenges. It will not only lower the cost of organizing events but also attract international acts and events, boosting Ghana’s reputation as a hub for creative arts and cultural exchange.
Dr. Bawumia also highlighted the broader economic benefits of the project. He noted that the new centre aligns with the government’s vision to diversify the economy through tourism and creative arts. "This project is not just about providing a venue; it is about creating an ecosystem where tourism and creative arts thrive. It is about job creation, revenue generation, and positioning Ghana as a leader in the African entertainment and tourism industries," he explained.
The facility is also expected to benefit other sectors, such as hospitality, transportation, and retail, as large-scale events bring increased traffic to local businesses. The pre-event lobby, which spans an impressive 5,000 square meters, will provide additional opportunities for exhibitors and vendors to showcase their products and services.
The unveiling of this project has been met with widespread optimism among stakeholders in the creative arts industry. Many believe it marks the beginning of a new era, where Ghanaian talent can flourish on a global stage without the infrastructural constraints that have hindered the industry for years.
As the Vice President concluded his tour, he reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting the creative arts sector. "This is just one of many initiatives we are pursuing to ensure that Ghana’s creative arts industry not only survives but thrives. We are creating the foundation for a brighter future, and I am confident that this project will be a catalyst for growth and innovation."
The Ghana Trade Fair Convention and Exhibition Centre is a testament to the government’s vision of fostering a vibrant creative economy. By addressing the infrastructure gap, the project is poised to unlock the full potential of Ghana’s creative arts industry, paving the way for a thriving cultural and economic landscape.
This development comes at a crucial time when Ghana is looking to solidify its position as a leader in the African creative and tourism sectors. As the countdown begins to the completion of this monumental project, hopes are high that it will deliver on its promise to revolutionize the industry and create opportunities for generations to come.
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